Concerts are, I feel, often an amalgamation of paradoxes. You feel every moment and yet the time flies by. You feel so fully part of a congregation of people and yet you could so easily be alone with the artist. The music carries you almost in a state of trance and yet it’s so real and authentic.

James Blake’s music and live set can also be said to be an amalgamation of paradoxes; a glorious 90 minute performance of entrancing, uplifting and moving set of paradoxes.» >

It’s that time of year again and the prestigious Mercury Award has announced its nominees. The award celebrates new and established artists, and the annual ceremony will be held on 30th October 2013. This year the shortlist is somewhat male-centric as of the twelve artists chosen, only two are females. Laura Marling is being commended for her album ‘Once I was an Eagle’ and is a front runner for the award, which she could add to her wealth of successes if she were to win.» >

Wireless 2013 had its biggest line up yet with its headlining acts being Jay Z and Justin Timberlake. If that was not enough other massive artists were performing at Stratford’s Olympic Park across the Friday to Sunday weekend including, Snoop Dogg, Tinie Tempah, Calvin Harris and Macklemore. The atmosphere was infectious and the huge site was crowded with festival goers. There was so much to do with five stages all hosting different artists from different musical genres.» >

What makes Glastonbury so different to the UK’s other muddy music festivals is its myriad variety of cultures, genres, acts and events. The sheer size of the festival is extraordinary; you have to look down upon the 1,000 acre site by walking up to the edge of the valley, under Glastonbury’s answer to the Hollywood sign, to fully appreciate this. There are flags everywhere. There are bridges and archways and tunnels that lead to relatively undiscovered art and architecture. » >

Whatever people say they are, that’s what they’re not. Arctic Monkeys triumphantly return with a fresh new sound and their most mature record to date with the release of their fifth studio album ‘AM’. Recorded at Sage & Sounds Recording in Los Angeles and Rancho De La Luna in Joshua Tree, California, ‘AM’ has everything from classic 70s grunge rock to funky hip-hop beats that’ll make you want to get up dance.» >

British Bank Holiday weekends are notoriously very wet and muddy but nothing could have prepared me for the torrential downfall of Leeds festival 2013. The first night I was just praying that my pop up tent would survive the biblical downpour and that my Hunter wellies were actually waterproof. Both prevailed! The infamous Silent Disco tent collapsed due to the downpour on Friday night and the Relentless Stage was flooded but despite the mudslides, Bramham Park had 80,000 to entertain and they did not disappoint.» >

It feels like it’s been years since Queens of the Stone Age have released anything decent, though that’s probably because it has. 2007’s Era Vulgaris was a disappointment to most, especially after the superb Lullabies To Paralyze LP in 2005. But in between raising children and ruining the Arctic Monkeys it seems that frontman Josh Homme has had some time to write some good songs… with some great people. Nine Inch Nails’ virtuoso Trent Reznor lends his Midas touch to the production, Alex Turner co-writes the track ‘Kalopsia’ and the piano tinkle on ‘Fairweather Friends’ is played by none other than Sir Elton John. » >